Events

It is a goal of this Teacher Training program to help instructors gain confidence in their ability to meet the unique needs of their otherwise-abled students, while understanding how neuromuscular conditions impact students’ lives, mobility and sensations. It is not uncommon to be anxious about working with students with physical and cognitive challenges This comprehensive program combines Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body (AYMAB) principles, with an overview of neuromuscular conditions, pose adaptations, class design and dynamics, theme components, class administration and additional resources for you to pursue. Participants will become part of a growing and mutually supportive adaptive yoga community of instructors and students.

Basic understanding of nervous system and neuromuscular conditions in terms of types, symptoms, CAM options, and adaptations for yoga as maybe applied to students with muscular sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal chord injury, arthritis etc.

Guiding principles of adaptive yoga for MS and neuromuscular conditions;

How to apply adaptive yoga techniques to symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, with emphasis on MS;

How to apply mindfulness techniques to adaptive yoga curriculum, including how to cope with pain and anxiety;

Essential components to an effective small group adaptive yoga class;

How to safely address and assist with transfers to and from a chair and yoga mat;

How to assist adaptive students creatively and safely in, and through, poses.

Competency Goals of an Effective Adaptive Yoga Instructor

Acceptthe instructor (or therapist) role without trying to fix the student

Confidence in teaching and providing assistance with adaptive yoga poses and alignment adjustments

Attunement to the whole person, rather than to student’s condition or disease

Ability to empower students to contribute to self-care for wellness and healing

Knowledge of breath and foundational alignment principles and how to apply them to adaptive yoga